Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Apr 02-Apr 08,2012

LVAH on April 5th at 7:30 a.m. Surgery went well, overnight stay in hospital. Not much pain in hospital (only used the pump 3 times). This morning, day 2 post-op, a little more crampy, muscle type pain. A bit more vaginal bleeding.

Doc was able to perform the LSH though she said she was tempted to convert to an abdominal. Stayed overnight in hospital. I am glad to be home. I had the surgery on April 4 and today is the first day I have felt like breaking out the computer. Pain levels are pretty good, I am starting to eat more. All is well.

Cathb- I am so, so sorry for all that you have been through. It sounds like your DH is a big help, which is wonderful. Hang in there, and take it slow and easy.

Update, day 5 post RALH: I was very sore last night, but had a little more appetite. Today seems like a lower-energy day so far. Even though I kept both ovaries, I am having night sweats-very gross. I had them before, usually just before my period started. Now, who knows? Maybe it is just a post-surgery thing.

Have a great day, ladies!

Having menopausal symptoms is not an unusual thing. The blood supply to the ovaries often gets disrupted depending on how your ovaries get their blood supply. Some ladies have the blood supply come from the ovarian artery (those ladies seem to breeze through) and other either have a combo of blood supply from the ovarian artery and the uterine artery or solely from the uterine artery. If you have the combo, you will find that your ovaries should eventually "wake up" and get back to normal. However, if your ovaries were fed by the uterine artery (only 4% of ladies fall into that category), you may need to go on HRT as your ovaries will no longer function.

I hope this helps!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by cathb911 I'm having a terrible post op ordeal. I had Da Vinci total hysterectomy

I am so sorry! And angry on your behalf!! What a nightmare. This should be a time of healing and relaxation. Please give us updates as you mend.

K

jcorrea .... So sorry to hear that you had a similar experience with the hospital ignoring you and the pain. To me this is just unforgivable.

Thanks everyone else for your encouragement and concern. I look forward to all your updates as it is helping me see what is normal and what is not.
My update for today so far...Still nausea but no more diarrhea. Been nibbling on crackers and muffins and drinking a lot of water. Pain is bad, but I'm trying to limit pain killers as they may be the reason I can't eat. Taking percocet every 5 hours and motrin occasionally.Have barely slept since surgery. I actually broke down and called my doctors on call service today. I was afraid to call Dr again as she sent me to ER last time and that was a nightmare, but I need sleep. I told the on call resident about my insomnia and that the Dr already prescribed me ambien at discharge.Unfortunately I took the ambien twice, and it not only didn't work, but it made me Crazy. My DH said I was never ever to take it again. It scared the heck out of him. told the on call resident Dr about the nausea and vomiting as well as my pain management problems. I was actually shocked that she was very nice,and did not suggest the ER at all. She is calling me in a prescription for Lunesta and said sometimes Ambien does cause bad reactions like I described. She said keep drinking and nibble on what I can get in my stomach. She said pain meds are probably causing my issues, but my pain isn't manageable yet, so not to stop taking them, just don't increase dose of anything until I am eating more. thanks for listening and may you all recover well!

Hi all.
I had a LAVH on Mon Apr 2. All went well, right ovary removed also. I was in a lot of dull pain 24/7, and had horrible periods. Dr. said there were lots of adhesions from previous c-sections (3), and a small cyst on my right ovary.
Ovary was fuzed to my bladder, so the urologist came in for "repair of cystotory" (basically sewed the hole in my bladder)...
So I was sent home with a folly catheter.

I feel that I am healing well from the hysterectomy, my pain is controlled with tylenol during the day and one hydrocodone at night. I've been up and around more everyday. I've been awake today (day 5) from 9am until now (2pm), and don't plan to nap today.

I'm suffering from severe insomnia. Dabbling with depression, hormones, and emotions.

I hate the catheter. HATE. It's the only thing I've cried about, and I cry about it a lot. I got upset in the hospital to the point of sobbing (not recommended after abdominal sugery) when they told me I need it for 10-14 days. Even more upset when the urologist announced it would be 2-3 weeks. They sent me home with a leg bag which only has an 18" tube, and makes laying down or propping up my feet uncomfortable. I also have to empty it really often. It feels gross, like someone tugs my insides.

I don't feel like I was given very much information on caring for myself with the catheter other than how to empty it. The urologist was very short in any explanation, and acted annoyed with my questions of what he did, how long of a healing process, what was next, what if that doesn't work, worst case, etc...

Sorry so long. Did I tell you I HATE the catheter? lol.

fisherofanne.... so sorry your dealing with the extended catheter ordeal. Have you posted a new post op thread asking others if they can give you some information on how to care for it since your doctor barely explained? That may get you more answers than just asking our small date group the question. Sorry to hear your depressed and crying so much. I'm having crying bouts also, but not the extent you are. Having the catheter for such an extended period of time is definitely a reason to cry! I cry for nothing at all it seems sometimes. Your in my thoughts as well as all our other recovering sisters.Hugs!!

Hello Ladies,

Just want to wish you all a very Happy Easter and hugs for your recovery. I am pleased to see how well many of you are recovering so well after such a relatively short period from your ops.

Just remember to rest, drink lots of water and do things at your pace. It can take up to at least 10 days before the GA is out of your system so you may experience loss of appetite, nausea and tiredness. These symptoms are normal and should pass quickly. Your emotions will also be all over the place whilst you come to terms with the surgery, wait for your ovaries to setlle (if you have retained them) etc - this is also the body's way of coping from a major organ being removed.

This time next Easter, your op will be a thing of the past.

Big hugs

Sue xxxx

I too had my hysterectomy recently (2 days ago) and have yet to have a bowel movement...I also have "rumblings" but not getting rid of this gassiness/bloating. It's uncomfortable and probably worse than the pain of incisions or cramps. Any suggestions?